How tokens work
Tokens keep sharing fair. You use them to apply for items and to list items for sale.
- Applying: 5 · 10 · 15 tokensSmall like books 5, medium like a pram or TV 10, large like a bed or sofa 15.
- Selling: 5 tokens per itemThis keeps Free and for sale focused on genuine items and stops a small number of sellers filling the feed.
- Giving away: 4 freeYour first 4 give-aways are free, then 5 tokens each. Food is always free.
- Not moneyIf something is for sale, you pay the seller directly.
- 50 more each monthUnused tokens carry over to next month. Extra can't be bought.
Read the full rules
The basics
- Joining is freePosting, joining groups and Spaces, messaging and swapping skills are all free.
- 50 tokens every monthEveryone starts with 50 tokens. You get 50 more at the start of each month, and any tokens you don't use carry over.
- Applying is simpleWhen someone offers an item, you use tokens to apply for it. Whether it's a table, a bike or a bag of apples, the tokens are used as soon as you apply.
- Tokens are 99p a monthYour first two months of tokens are free. After that, your monthly allowance of 50 tokens is 99p per month. Or pay £9.99 for the year up front: you still get 50 tokens every month, it just costs less.
Different items, different token values
The number of tokens depends on the size of the item.
What tokens can and can't be used for
Tokens are used when you apply for an item, and when you list an item for sale.
You never need tokens to
- Join groups or Spaces
- Message other people
- Give things away or offer help
- Share skills or offer help
- Take part in your local community
Tokens are not money
- They can't be used to pay for items. If someone is selling something, you pay them directly using an agreed payment method, just as you normally would.
- They have no cash value. Extra tokens can't be bought, and tokens can't be sold, transferred or exchanged for money.
- You never pay for items through the app.
Selling items
Listing an item for sale uses 5 tokens from your monthly allowance. The tokens are used when the item is listed and are not returned if it doesn't sell or is removed.
This keeps Free and for sale focused on genuine items and stops a small number of sellers filling the feed. It encourages people to list items others genuinely want, rather than repeatedly posting the same things.
Your first 4 give-aways of items are free. After that, each give-away uses 5 tokens, so nobody can fill the feed with unwanted things. Sharing food is always free.
How item applications work
When someone in your community offers an item, you can apply for it using tokens.
- Find something you likeBrowse items offered by people in your local community, whether they are free or for sale.
- Check the token costEach item has a set token cost based on its size or type. You'll see the cost before applying.
- Submit your applicationWhen you apply, the tokens are immediately deducted from your balance.
- The person offering the item choosesThey review the applications and decide who they would like to give or sell the item to.
- Arrange collection or paymentIf you're selected, you can contact the person to arrange collection. If the item is for sale, you pay the seller directly.
Important things to remember
- Applying does not guarantee you'll receive the item.
- Tokens are deducted every time you apply, whether you're successful or not.
- Tokens are never returned, even if you're not selected or the item becomes unavailable.
- You can apply for multiple items, provided you have enough tokens.
- Always check the item details and make sure you can collect it before applying.
What happens when you run out?
Once you've used all your tokens, you'll need to wait until your next monthly allowance arrives before applying for more items. We'll show you when your next 50 tokens arrive, so you always know where you stand.
Keeping things fair
Sometimes an arrangement doesn't go ahead. We understand that things can change.
- Tokens used to apply are not returned, even if the arrangement doesn't go ahead.
- If you can't make a collection, let the other person know as soon as you can.
- Missing collections without saying lowers your chances in future draws, and can stop you applying for a while.
Our aim is to encourage genuine applications, reduce unnecessary requests and give everyone a fair opportunity to share in their local community.